Soups & Stews > Soup Making Techniques > Building Flavor > The Importance of Mirepoix

Homemade Tomato Soup with Mirepoix

Learn how to create a comforting and flavorful tomato soup from scratch, starting with the essential mirepoix base. This recipe highlights the importance of building flavor from the ground up.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Servings
4-6 servings
Ingredients
  • 1 medium Onion
  • 1 medium Carrot
  • 1 stalk Celery
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 28 ounces Canned Crushed Tomatoes
  • 4 cups Vegetable Broth or Chicken Broth
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
  • 1/4 cup Heavy Cream (optional)

Creating the Mirepoix

Dice the onion, carrot, and celery into small, even pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and release their flavor properly.

Sautéing the Mirepoix

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The onion should be translucent.

Adding Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth (or chicken broth). Stir in the dried basil and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Simmering the Soup

Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Blending (Optional)

For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches.

Finishing Touches

If desired, stir in the heavy cream for added richness. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or a swirl of cream.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods. Calories: Approximately 60-80kcal, Carbohydrates: 8-10g, Protein: 2-3g, Fat: 3-5g

Other Considerations for Nutrition

This soup is a good source of vitamins and antioxidants from the tomatoes. Using vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian and lower in sodium. Adding heavy cream will increase the fat content.

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FAQ

  • Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

    Yes, you can add other vegetables such as roasted red peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Add them towards the end of the cooking time to prevent them from becoming overcooked.
  • Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

    Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. You'll need about 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Blanch them, peel them, and chop them before adding them to the soup. You may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid depending on the water content of the tomatoes.
  • Can I use a different type of herb?

    Yes, thyme or marjoram also complement tomatoes well.